Pop/Review The New Citizen Kane - Could Have Been
The New Citizen Kane, stage name of singer, songwriter, and producer Kane Luke, emerged from London in 2010 after his departure from Milan's Fuorifase Records in 2008, having previously worked under his real name and the Discokane monicker. Also, with a vision to merge music, fashion, pop culture, and visual arts, Kane's debut album in 2014 drew visual inspiration from the classic film "Citizen Kane" while sonically blending 80s and 90s house, dance, and synth pop sounds.
The EP "Could Have Been" by The New Citizen Kane is a compelling fusion of electronic soundscapes, indie-pop, and the nostalgic appeal of new wave from the 1980s. The EP offers listeners both movement and reflection with its intriguing soundtrack, which is equal parts rhythmic and introspective. This project captures the bittersweet feelings associated with moments of desire and missed opportunities with its shimmering synthesizers, powerful beats, and catchy choruses.
“Could Have Been” explores themes of lost chances, ephemeral relationships, and time's unstoppable progression in its lyrics. Listeners might recognize snippets of their own experiences in the EP's storylines since the storytelling seems both very personal and universal. Every song develops as a story, characterized by melancholy undertones but supported by the upbeat energy of its creation.
The EP's music, which has elaborate production and sumptuous orchestration, strikes a balance between contemporary electronic influences and vintage sensibilities. The tracks move fluidly between energetic, danceable beats and dreamy meditation. Particularly notable are the references to 80s new wave, which offer a nostalgic setting without coming off as copycat, and The New Citizen Kane's unique voice unifies everything by giving the songs a genuine emotional quality.
More than just a compilation of songs, “Could Have Been” invites listeners to consider their own "what-ifs" as it takes them on a voyage through memory and possibilities. This EP delivers something really unique, establishing The New Citizen Kane as a prominent voice in modern indie-pop, whether you're dancing to the rhythm or lost in thought.